Roadworks set to hinder city centre commuters

On Wednesday, August 29, Manchester and Salford City Councils will start major improvement work on key junctions

Drivers are being advised to plan ahead and get ready for major roadworks on key routes into and out of Manchester city centre.

On Wednesday, August 29, Manchester and Salford City Councils will start major improvement work on key junctions on and around Regent Road, Trinity Way and A57 Mancunian Way.

The £15 million Manchester and Salford Inner Relief Route improvement scheme (MSIRR) is being delivered by Manchester and Salford City Councils with funding from the Government’s Local Growth Fund.

During the works Regent Road, from Oldfield Road to the Mancunian Way, will be reduced from two lanes to one lane in each direction. Journey times are expected to increase significantly, especially during the morning and evening peaks.

To help people get around during the work, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has launched a bespoke MSIRR travel advice page that will provide up-to-date travel information, expected journey times and alternative travel options.

Where possible, road users are advised to plan ahead, look for alternative routes, travel outside of peak times and consider public transport options.

The work is expected to cause delays on other nearby corridors including the M602 and Mancunian Way, while surrounding routes – such as Chester Road, Princess Road, A580 East Lancs Road, Trinity Way, Hyde Road, Stockport Road and Ashton Old Road – will likely be much busier than usual.

During the morning peak, travel into the city centre via the M602, Regent Road and on to the Mancunian Way is expected to increase from around 15-20mins to at least 25-30mins.

During the evening peak, journeys out of the city centre along the Mancunian Way, Regent Road and on to the M602 are expected to increase from around 20-25mins to at least 40-45mins.

There are a number of Park and Ride sites across Greater Manchester that provide free and convenient access to both bus and tram services. Further details of the available Park and Ride sites will be made available in the coming days.

Drivers should consider using public transport where it’s an option – or cycle or walk if they are able to do so.

Where possible, working from home could be considered.

TfGM will be working with local councils to offer support for road users and venues and destinations along the route with up-to-date travel advice throughout the works.

More information about the scheme is available on the Manchester City Council website.

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